Howard University changed the pregame protocol for its women’s basketball team before the Mid-Easter Athletic Conference tournament opened Wednesday.
As reported by NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., athletes were given a choice under the new policy to either stand for the national anthem or remain in the locker room. According to WRC's Dominique Moody and Danna Matheus, the change has drawn mixed reactions from fans and students, who say the team has routinely knelt before games over the past several seasons.
"Some critics argue the stand-or-stay-in-the-locker-room policy conflicts with the university’s long legacy of student activism," Moody and Matheus reported.
In a statement, Howard Athletics said, "The new policy is about supporting students' freedom of expression while upholding mutual respect for all communities."
The top-seeded Bison defeated South Carolina State in Wednesday's opening round 75-43.
According to HBCU Gameday, in light of the new policy, Howard players have decided to remain in the locker room during the anthem for the remainder of this season.
